Protective apparatus for seatbelt buckle and seatbelt restraint system comprising same

ABSTRACT

A seatbelt buckle protective apparatus comprises a protective body and a release key. The protective body includes a seatbelt buckle receiving space having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is open and an end wall terminates the second end. A tab receiving slot extends through the end wall and a key receiving opening extends through the end wall. The release key includes a protruding member and a hand gripping portion. The protruding member is configured for being inserted through the key receiving opening of the protective body. The release key includes a hand gripping portion attached to an end portion of the protruding member and the hand gripping portion includes a ring-shaped member.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to automobile seat belt buckles and, more particularly, to apparatuses configured for reducing the potential for a child to unbuckle their seatbelt buckle once fastened.

BACKGROUND

Automotive seatbelt restraint systems typically consist of two separable restraints, fastenable to one another by means of a releasable buckle assembly. The releasable buckle assembly has a tab portion attached to a first one of the restraints and a seatbelt buckle attached to a second one of the restraints. The tab portion is engagable with the seatbelt buckle and a locking mechanism of the seatbelt buckle is biased such that it automatically engages the tab portion when the tab portion is sufficiently engaged within the seatbelt buckle. The tab portion is separable from the locking mechanism by depressing a release button of the locking mechanism.

The release button of the seatbelt buckle is exposed to accommodate the unfastening of the releasable buckle assembly. Recently, it has become commonplace for seatbelt buckles of automotive seatbelt restraint systems to be configured with the release button located and a tab receiving slot located on an exposed end of the seatbelt buckle as opposed to the release button being located on a side face of the seatbelt buckle. This location for the release button provides for easier accessibility, which makes it easier to access and operate the release button. Undesirably, this enhanced accessibility also increases the ability for young children to readily unbuckling their seatbelt.

Although experts agree that seat belts are one of the most effective devices for preventing injury in the event of an automobile accident, it is clear that they are only effective if they are worn. Accordingly, most parents insist that their children wear seat belts at all times. However, a parent can only make certain that a child is initially wearing the seat belt at the start of a journey. They often cannot control whether the child chooses to “free” himself or herself from the seat belt at an inappropriate time during the journey.

If a child releases the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion, a variety of safety problems arise. First, without the seat belt, the child is clearly vulnerable to injury in the event of an accident. Second, the child is also prone to injury simply by virtue of the fact that they are now roaming within a moving vehicle—subject to jolts from sudden starts, stops, and sharp turns. Third, because the parent is mostly watching the road, the unsupervised and now unrestrained child can cause damage to the automobile and its contents. Most importantly, the realization by the parent/driver that the child is freely roaming in the back seat can be distracting enough to cause an accident or, at least, unsafe driving practices (e.g., attempting to refasten the child's seatbelt while still driving).

Therefore, a protective apparatus that limits the ability of a child to unbuckle their seatbelt and that overcomes limitations associated with known protective apparatuses configured for limiting the ability of a child to unbuckle their seatbelt would be useful and advantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present invention limit the ability of a child to unbuckle their seatbelt. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide a protective apparatus that precludes a person's finger from directly engaging a release button of a seatbelt buckle release button and requires a specially configured release key to be used for depressing the release button. Embodiments of the present invention are specifically configured for use with seatbelt buckles having the release button and a tab receiving slot at an end face of a seatbelt buckle housing. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention advantageously overcome one or more shortcomings associated with known protective apparatuses configured for limiting the ability of a child to unbuckle their seatbelt and/or their use with seatbelt buckles having the release button and the tab receiving slot at the end face of the seatbelt buckle housing.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a seatbelt buckle protective apparatus comprises a protective body and a release key. The protective body includes a seatbelt buckle receiving space having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is open and an end wall terminates the second end. A tab receiving slot extends through the end wall and a key receiving opening extends through the end wall. The release key includes a protruding member configured for being inserted through the key receiving opening of the protective body.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a seatbelt buckle protective apparatus comprises a protective body and a release key. The protective body includes an end wall and a skirt extending from the end wall to form a seatbelt buckle receiving space suitable for having a tab receiving end of a seatbelt buckle positioned therein, a tab receiving slot extending through the end wall and a key receiving opening extending through the end wall. The release key includes a protruding member configured for being inserted through the key receiving opening of the protective body.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an automotive seatbelt restraint system comprises a seatbelt buckle, a protective body and a release key. The seatbelt buckle includes a tab receiving slot in an end face of the seatbelt buckle and a locking mechanism release button in the end face of the seatbelt buckle. The protective body is removably engaged over the end face of the seatbelt buckle. The protective body includes an end wall extending over the end face of the seatbelt buckle, a tab receiving slot extending through the end wall and a key receiving opening extending through the end wall. At least a portion of the tab receiving slot of the seatbelt buckle is positioned directly behind the tab receiving slot of the protective body and at least a portion of the locking mechanism release button of the seatbelt buckle is positioned directly behind the key receiving opening of the protective body. The release key includes a protruding member insertable through the key receiving opening of the protective body for depressing the locking mechanism release button of the seatbelt buckle while the protective body is engaged over the end face of the seatbelt buckle.

Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment, the key receiving opening is a key receiving slot.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the key receiving slot extends generally parallel with and in side-by-side relationship with the tab receiving slot.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the release key includes a hand gripping portion attached to an end portion of the protruding member and the hand gripping portion includes a ring-shaped member.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the protective body includes a skirt extending from the end wall and the skirt extends generally parallel to a side wall of the seatbelt buckle.

These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view depicting an embodiment of a protective body in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the protective body shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts functionality of the protective body depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 in combination with a release key in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of a protective body in accordance with the present invention, which is referred to herein as the protective body 10. The protective body 10 includes an end wall 12 and a skirt 14. The skirt 14 extends from the end wall 12 to form a seatbelt buckle receiving space 16 suitable for having a tab receiving end 17 of a seatbelt buckle 18 positioned therein. The seatbelt buckle receiving space 16 has a first end 20 and a second end 22 opposite the first end 20. The first end 20 is open and the end wall 12 terminates the second end 22.

The skirt 14 partially encompasses a perimeter of the end wall 12. Additionally, the skirt 14 is a first length adjacent a top portion of the end wall 12 and a second length adjacent side portions of the end wall 12. However, it is disclosed herein that the skirt 14 may fully encompass the end wall 12 and that the skirt 14 may have a substantially uniform length around the entire perimeter of the end wall 12.

A tab receiving slot 24 and a key receiving slot 26 extend through the end wall 12. The key receiving slot 26 extends generally parallel with and in side-by-side relationship with the tab receiving slot 24. The key receiving slot 26 is one embodiment of a key receiving opening in accordance with the present invention. Other embodiments of a key receiving opening in accordance with the present invention have shapes other than a slot, such as round, square and the like. The present invention is not limited to a key receiving opening of a particular shape.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the seatbelt buckle 18 includes a tab receiving slot 28 in an end face 30 of the seatbelt buckle 18 and a locking mechanism release button 32 in the end face 30. The seatbelt buckle 18 has a common and widely used configuration with respect to known seatbelt buckles used in the automotive industry. Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, with the protective body 10 positioned over the tab receiving end 17 of the seatbelt buckle 18, at least a portion of the tab receiving slot 28 of the seatbelt buckle 18 is positioned directly behind the tab receiving slot 24 of the protective body 10 and at least a portion of the locking mechanism release button 32 of the seatbelt buckle 18 is positioned directly behind the key receiving slot 26 of the protective body 10. The skirt 14 of the protective body extends generally parallel to adjacent exterior walls 33 of the seatbelt buckle.

With the protective body 10 in place as described herein, a tab portion 34 of a seatbelt retention member 36 is inserted through the tab receiving slot 24 of the protective body 12 into the tab receiving slot 28 of the seatbelt buckle 18. Sufficient insertion of the tab portion 34 of the seatbelt retention member 36 causes the tab portion 34 of the seatbelt retention member 36 to be releasably yet securely engaged with a locking mechanism within the seatbelt buckle 18.

In accordance with the present invention, a release key 38 (FIG. 3) is provided for releasing the locking mechanism of the seatbelt buckle 18 from the tab portion 34 of the seatbelt retention member 36. The release key 38 includes a protruding member 40 and a ring-shaped hand gripping portion 42 attached to an end portion 44 of the protruding member 40. The ring-shaped hand gripping portion 42 enables convenient gripping of the release key 38 and, optionally, attachment of the release key 38 to a desired object (e.g., to a key chain). The protruding member 40 is configured for being inserted through the key receiving slot 24 of the protective body 10 and, accordingly, the protruding member 40 has a cross sectional shape enabling such insertion into the key receiving slot 24 of the protective body 10. Through such insertion, the release key 38 may be forcibly engaged with the locking mechanism release button 32 of the seatbelt buckle 18 for depressing the locking mechanism release button 32 such that the locking mechanism of the seatbelt buckle 18 releases from the tab portion 34 of the seatbelt retention member 36 and thereby enables the seatbelt retention member 36 to be separated from the seatbelt buckle 18.

The direction of insertion of the tab portion 34 of the seatbelt retention member 36 and the direction of motion of the locking mechanism release button 32 are both generally parallel with a longitudinal reference axis L (FIG. 1) of the seatbelt body 12. Accordingly, the tab receiving slot 24 and the key receiving slot 26 of the protective body 10 are configured and orientated to enable a direction of insertion of the tab portion 34 of the seatbelt retention member 36 through the tab receiving slot 24 of the protective body 10 and a direction of insertion of the protruding member 40 of the release key 38 through the key receiving slot 26 of the protective body 10 to be generally parallel with the longitudinal reference axis L of the seatbelt body 12.

In one embodiment, an automotive seatbelt restraint system in accordance with the present invention is disclosed herein to include a protective body and a release key in accordance with the present invention (e.g., the protective body 10 and the release key 38, respectively) in combination with a suitably configured seatbelt buckle (e.g., the seatbelt buckle 18 disclosed herein).

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A seatbelt buckle protective apparatus, comprising: a protective body including a seatbelt buckle receiving space having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end is open and the second end is terminated by an end wall, wherein a tab receiving slot extends through the end wall and wherein a key receiving opening extends through the end wall; and a release key including a protruding member configured for being inserted through the key receiving opening of the protective body.
 2. The seatbelt buckle protective apparatus of claim 1 wherein the key receiving opening is a key receiving slot.
 3. The seatbelt buckle protective apparatus of claim 1 wherein the key receiving slot extends generally parallel with and in side-by-side relationship with the tab receiving slot.
 4. The seatbelt buckle protective apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the release key includes a hand gripping portion attached to an end portion of the protruding member; and the hand gripping portion includes a ring-shaped member.
 5. The seatbelt buckle protective apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the key receiving opening is a key receiving slot; the key receiving slot extends generally parallel with and in side-by-side relationship with the tab receiving slot; the release key includes a hand gripping portion attached to an end portion of the protruding member; and the hand gripping portion includes a ring-shaped member.
 6. A seatbelt buckle protective apparatus, comprising: a protective body including an end wall and a skirt extending from the end wall to form a seatbelt buckle receiving space suitable for having a tab receiving end of a seatbelt buckle positioned therein, a tab receiving slot extending through the end wall and a key receiving opening extending through the end wall; and a release key including a protruding member configured for being inserted through the key receiving opening of the protective body.
 7. The seatbelt buckle protective apparatus of claim 6 wherein the key receiving opening is a key receiving slot.
 8. The seatbelt buckle protective apparatus of claim 7 wherein the key receiving slot extends generally parallel with and in side-by-side relationship with the tab receiving slot.
 9. The seatbelt buckle protective apparatus of claim 8 wherein the skirt partially encompasses a perimeter of the end wall.
 10. The seatbelt buckle protective apparatus of claim 8 wherein: the release key includes a hand gripping portion attached to an end portion of the protruding member; and the hand gripping portion includes a ring-shaped member.
 11. The seatbelt buckle protective apparatus of claim 10 wherein the skirt partially encompasses a perimeter of the end wall.
 12. An automotive seatbelt restraint system, comprising: a seatbelt buckle including a tab receiving slot in an end face of the seatbelt buckle and a locking mechanism release button in the end face of the seatbelt buckle; a protective body removably engaged over the end face of the seatbelt buckle, wherein the protective body includes an end wall extending over the end face of the seatbelt buckle, a tab receiving slot extending through the end wall and a key receiving opening extending through the end wall, wherein at least a portion of the tab receiving slot of the seatbelt buckle is positioned directly behind the tab receiving slot of the protective body and wherein at least a portion of the locking mechanism release button of the seatbelt buckle is positioned directly behind the key receiving opening of the protective body; and a release key including a protruding member insertable through the key receiving opening of the protective body for depressing the locking mechanism release button of the seatbelt buckle while the protective body is engaged over the end face of the seatbelt buckle.
 13. The automotive seatbelt restraint system of claim 12 wherein the key receiving opening is a key receiving slot.
 14. The automotive seatbelt restraint system of claim 13 wherein the key receiving slot extends generally parallel with and in side-by-side relationship with the tab receiving slot.
 15. The automotive seatbelt restraint system of claim 14 wherein: the protective body includes a skirt extending from the end wall; and the skirt extends generally parallel to adjacent exterior side walls of the seatbelt buckle.
 16. The automotive seatbelt restraint system of claim 14 wherein: the release key includes a hand gripping portion attached to an end portion of the protruding member; and the hand gripping portion includes a ring-shaped member.
 17. The automotive seatbelt restraint system of claim 16 wherein: the protective body includes a skirt extending from the end wall; and the skirt extends generally parallel to adjacent exterior side walls of the seatbelt buckle. 